Only a timeless classic like Waldorf salad goes out of style. This beloved dish becomes a comforting, heartier meal, anytime when tendered chicken is added. Every morsel combines two of my most favorite things about autumn; crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, and the flavors and textures are in perfect balance. For this Waldorf salad with chicken recipe, let’s get into the joy of making and the joy of eating.
It’s really important that the answers to the questions above are positive.
This salad isn’t just a salad, it’s a move. Try the fresh ingredients crunch with a creamy balanced dressing. Each bite offers:
Protein-Packed Goodness: It’s hearty enough for lunch of dinner.
Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: This was very sweet grapes, very tasty dressing and very savory chicken.
Versatility: Ideal as a picnic food, a family supper, or also as a lunch idea.
My Waldorf Salad Experience
For a sunny weekend gathering with friends, it was the first time I had ever, so much as thought about Waldorf salad, let alone made one. Smells of freshly sliced apples and toasted walnuts filled the kitchen as I prepped. As I tossed the salad, I couldn’t help but admire how just the act of putting these ingredients together into one jarring visual tableau was so pleasing and eye pleasing.
My friends’ feedback when I served it said it all. Everyone was drawn in by the vibrant colors: crisp green lettuce; ruby red grapes; and golden chicken. Bites were the first and smiles and the beginning of conversation about food memories. It wasn’t a meal, it was a moment to appreciate and a moment to share.
Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Salad:
Cubed or Shredded cooked chicken, grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken (2 Cups)
1 Granny Smith or Honeycrisp Apple Chopped (Or 1 Large Apple)
1 Cup Red Grapes, Halved
1 Cup Celery, Thinly Sliced
1 cup walnuts chopped and toasted
Mixing Greens or Romaine Lettuce
For the Dressing:
1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
For a lighter version, add in 1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt.
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1 Tsp Honey
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Cut the chicken, apples and the celery into bite sized pieces.
You can toast the walnuts until fragrant if you want more of a flavor.
2. Make the Dressing:
Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper. If you like it sweet or tangy adjust to your taste.
3. Combine the Salad:
Add the chicken, apples, grapes, celery and walnuts into a large mixing bowl.
Add the dressing over ingredients and mix it through with gentle tressing.
4. Serve:
In a bowl or plate arrange mixed greens or lettuce.
Place the chicken Waldorf salad in to the center of the greens. You can garnish with extra walnuts or a little bit of pepper if you’d like.
Why This Is an Experience
Engages All Senses: With its vibrant colors, crisp textures and rich flavors this is a feast for the senses.
Perfect for Any Occasion: It always fits the moment — whether for a casual lunch, a holiday table, or meal prep.
Nostalgic yet Modern: A perfect balance between tradition and innovation is achieved with the classic Waldorf flavors, combined with hearty chicken.
Variations
Fruit Medley: If you need some extra sweetness, add dried cranberries, mandarin oranges or sliced strawberries.
Nut-Free Option: Sunflower seeds can replace walnuts, or they may be omitted for allergy friendly prep.
Savory Touch: Add a tangy, creamy twist with blue cheese crumbles to this.
Vegan Version: Swap rosted chickpeas or marinated tofu instead of chicken and mayo for a plant based alternative.
Tips for Success
Choose Fresh Ingredients: All is different between crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery.
Toast the Walnuts: Toast really brings out the flavor and helps out to the nuttiness of the salad.
Serve Fresh: Then salad and dressing combine before serving to keep dressing as crisp and vibrant as possible.
Wrapping Up
The recipe for Waldorf salad with chicken is only part of it, it’s really an invitation to slow down and to indulge in the simple pleasure of good food. This dish appeals to everyone from picnic partiers, to family gatherings or even a quiet lunch at home, and brings people together.
What’s your favourite Waldorf salad twist? Vote for your choice in the polls below and feel free to share your experiences or variations in the comments below!
IF YOU WANT , YOU CAN VISIT MY Recipe
